getting survey done....

james3333

Hi guys,
i have got an estate agent coming round this friday for a valuation on my house.
i just want to ask him what its worth at the moment AND what it would be worth if i added an extension to the kitchen/diningroom.
can i just ask, will he just look round and tell me there and then what its worth?.....
also, why would he tell me what its worth if i added an extension... whats in it for him?
do i need to be 'sly' with how i ask him this?

cheers

MJMum

He should tell you both, although as you have already noticed, he'll be inclined to steer you towards "sell now"

james3333

so, why exactly 'should' he tell me both...
he really hasnt anything to gain by telling me the amount it would be worth with an extension ( sorry to be anal, but i am really curious)
and i really need to make sure this extension is worth doing!

bionic_banjo

Hi,

Just to let you know that anyone can set up as an estate agent. Experience wise they can differ massively. So be sure to suss him out before you rely on his / her remarks. They are there to sell you the property and take a fee - never forget that bias!!!

Alternatively - if you have a Chartered Surveyor coming round - who is MRICS registered, then you can rely on their advice if it is in writing. A chartered surveyor who is a valuer will probably be happy to give you a figure on both valuation assumptions - but it will be reflected in the fee.

You can do the valuation yourself if you do a bit of research. Get on mouseprice.co.uk and using the postcode - check out your area and see what the nearby houses are going for. If one has an extension or a conservatory - then it should be worth more.

AndrewSmith

bionic_banjo wrote:

Hi,

Alternatively - if you have a Chartered Surveyor coming round - who is MRICS registered, then you can rely on their advice if it is in writing. A chartered surveyor who is a valuer will probably be happy to give you a figure on both valuation assumptions - but it will be reflected in the fee.

True,

But never forget that even a MRICS registered surveyor will obtain his valuation in the same way as anyone else.

They do it by visiting local estate agents and obtaining 'comparable evidence' of similar properties to yours that have sold recently. Therefore the result will only be similar to that of asking 3 local agents out for their opinion which, in my experience, most are quite willing to give. Remember though that the agent will give you 'For Sale' prices so you may need to account for that as 'Sold' prices are generally slightly less. Ask them though.

Never pay for a valuation or survey purely to ascertain whether it is worth adding an extention to your house.

It will also depend largely on the state of the market once the extention is finished, and to what standard the work has been completed. It is therefore not really possible to guage an exact accurate valuation prior to the work being completed.

Use an agent to give you a rough idea, dont pay for a survey.

james3333

cheers guys